Knotting Matters 65 - Grumpy Ogre · THE INTERNATIONAL GUILD OFKNOT TYERS ISSUE NO 65 • WINTER 1999 PRESIDENTBrianField HONVICE PRESIDENTS DrVaughanJones FRS andFrankHarrisBEM PAST

ISSUE 65 WINTER 1999ISSN 0959-2881

Guild SuppliesPrice List 1998

Supplies Secretary:- Bruce Turley19 Windmill Avenue, Rubery, Birmingham B45 9SP

email [email protected]: 0121 453 4124

Cheques payable to IGKT, or simply send your credit card detailsPS Dont forget to allow for Postage

Item Price

Knot Charts Full Set of 100 charts £10.00 Individual Charts £0.20

Rubber Stamp IGKT - Member, with logo £4.00 (excludes stamp pad)

Guild Tye Long, dark blue polyester, with knot motif £8.95 Long, dark blue tie with Guild Logo in gold £8.95

Badges - all with Gold Logo Blazer Badge £1.00 Enamel brooch £2.00 Windscreen Sticker £1.00

Certificate of Membership £2.50 parchment scroll signed by President and Hon sec for mounting and hanging

ILiiiIiiiiiiiiiiiKiiiiNiiiiOiiiiiTiiiiTiiiiINiiiiiiG~M~A~T~TE!!i!iR~S~iiiiiiillTHE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF

THE INTERNATIONAL GUILD OF KNOT TYERSISSUE NO 65 • WINTER 1999

PRESIDENT Brian FieldHON VICE PRESIDENTS

Dr Vaughan Jones FRS and Frank Harris BEMPAST PRESIDENTS

Percy Blandford • Geoffrey Budworth • Eric Franklin • Jan VosStuart Grainger • Glad Findley • Des Pawson - Robert Chisnall

Guild Annual Subscription rates:Payable by cash/cheque EurocardMastercard or VISA

Juniors £5Seniors £16Families £20Corporate By arrangement

Taxpayers in the UK - we wouldprefer a covenanted subscription.

Advertising rates:Members Non MembersFull page £32 £49Half page £19 £22Quarter page £10 £15For inclusion in one issue only

Cover design produced by Stuart Grainger

Submission dates for inclusion of articlesKM66 07 JAN 2000KM67 07 APRIL 2000KM68 07 JULY 2000KM69 07 OCT 2000

SECRETARY:Nigel Harding16 Egles Grove

UckfieldSUSSEX TN22 2BY

Tel: 01825 760425ni~el@ni~elhardin~.demon,co.uk

EDITORS:Lonnie & Margaret Boggs

78 Marlborough AvenueKIDLINGTON, Oxford OX5 2AP

Tel: 01865 378104knottingmatters@lboggs,freeserye.co.uk

Except as otherwise indicated, copyrightin Knotting Matters is reserved to theInternational Guild of Knot Tyers IGKT1995. Copyright of members' articlespublished in Knotting M~tters isreserved to the authors and permission toreprint should be sought from the authorand editor. All sources of quotationsprinted in Knotting Matters areacknowledged.

THE IGKT IS A UK REGISTERED CHARlrrY~n_80_2151__ ----- - - - - --

KNOTTING MATTERS 65WINTER 1999CONTENTS

03 Ed's Bytes and Pieces Lonnie Boggs04 Secretary's Blotter Nigel Harding05 Obituary - Albert Trout John Burke06 The Surrey Six The Surrey Branch12 IGKT- NAB AGM Report John Burke14 Word Game Anon

Ah Experts! Cy Canute16 Knot Stiffenings Brian Stammers17 New IGKT Website Tony Doran18 New Knot? L.F. Osborne19 Views of a Knot Novice or Red Wayne Lewis

Neck22 Ashley Corrections John Constable23 KM Centerfold John Kennaugh

Cotton Rope? Marlene BernalMaru Dai is Not 'Knitting' Edan Gibson

25 Pictures Wanted Tony DoranHalf-Round Diamond Rodolfo PetschekIcicle Knot Jack Callton

26 Turk's Heads Loren Damewood27 House Guy John Gann

Monkey's Fist Tony Doran28 IThe Pyramid Knot is not the Roberty Wolfe

Chinese Crown Knot31 Solid Sinnet Tables Vernon Hughes39 Turk's Heads with a Built in Thomas Simpson

Mouse

2 KNOTTING MATTERS 65 WINTER 1999

Editors Bytesand Pieces

by EditorsThank you all for your help

and encouragement over thelast four and a half years andseventeen issues of KnottingMatters. I have enjoyed editing this newsletter and havelearned so very much aboutdoing the job and about whatfriendly people there are in theGuild. I still enjoy doing thisjob but, yet again, I am latewith this issue and I am sosorry. No need to go into whathas happened to make this issue late, lets just say I am notdependable to get it out intime and I cannot see that I amgoing to be able to do anybetter for the next issue inJanuary, (or Winter). Therefore, I am asking for a volunteer to take over as Editor ofKM as soon as possible.

The next issue is under wayand will go out, but someonewho can keep to time needs tocome forward soon. The Guildhas paid for the PC, Printerand Scanner for the Editor touse and this will go with thejob if you do not have yourown computer.

You have not heard the lastfrom me however. I intend tooffer to write an AGM reportfor any AGM's I attend, if thenew Editor wants it. I want tomake the "Oxford Branch" areality to promote the Guild. Iam committed to working forthe Guild in any way I amable. I just hate doing a poorjob when there are so manypeople out there who can dothis job so much better and ontime. Please make enquirie' sto Nigel or myself in the firstinstance.

I was sorry to have to missthe AGM at Guilford, I likemeeting everyone again everysix months or so, people whowent enjoyed it very much.The "Surrey Six" is included(page 6) for everyone's perusal and comments. Knots formodem ropes? I'd like to spinyou a little Yaro, about amountain lake called a Tarn.There is Tare growing near itamongst the wheat. I sit andPare a piece of wood lookingthrough a broken Pane in myPine front door while I smokemy Pipe and wait for my cropto get Ripe and be turned intoRope. What a puzzle life iswhen contemplated at leisure.

KNO'fTING MATTERS 65 WINTER 1999

By Nigel HardingWell, the last few months

have been so busy that it is noteasy to see the secretary'sblotter, let alone actually makenotes on it, hence the absenceof this feature in the last edition, or was it the last two?

My apologies to thosewhose details I have managedto omit, or get wrong in thelatest edition of the Membership Handbook. This is actually quite a daunting task toproduce. It typically takesabout four months from starting to write the initial draught,through to final printing, anddistribution.

There is a date on the insidecover, and that is the date atwhich the final correctionswere submitted to the printer,hence if your membership application was received on orafter that date, then you willhave to wait for the next edition. So far I haye only beenadvised of a few minor errors,thus I do not propose to issuean erratum sheet as I did lastyear. The main failing hasbeen the exclusion of emailaddresses. Unfortunately, the

Notes from the Secretary'sBlotter

4

Handbook is generated fromthe Membership database, notfrom my email address book.Unless I am specifically advised of a new email address,then it simply does not getentered into the system.

The other omission, forwhich I apologise, especiallyas I don't know the cause, isthe absence of the CornwallBranch, which is administeredby Janet Flack, whose name islisted. Perhaps I'm just too oldfor this job?!?

In June I was invited to 'Intercamp' this summer, whichis a multinational Scoutingevent held this year nearDortmund in Germany. I wentwith Charlie Smith and wehad a wonderful weekenddemonstrating knot tying. Wemade many new friends, andmet Marc Lauwereyns andHenri Dehenauw from Belgium.

I also had two weeks awaywith the Suffolk Scouts, hillwalking in the Alps. Anotherwonderful experience, but onmy return home, I have neverseen such a huge pile of correspondence. It has taken meover a month to catch up, andif you sent me an email duringthat period, I'm afraid they

KNOTTING MATTERS 65 WINTER 1999

waited until the 'Royal' Mailhad been cleared.

The October meeting will bealong soon, and the SurreyBranch has some quite ambitious plans for us. The expenses associated with thisprestigious meeting will begreater than we have experienced in the past, and theCouncil need some feedbackon whether you, the membership, feel that you have hadyour moneys worth.

Traditionally, all committeesbegrudge spending money.However when we are promoting ourselves as an INTERNATIONAL organisation, then I personally, feelthat we should be arrangingmeetings of such a calibre thatmakes it worthwhile for members to cross the globe in orderto be there - perhaps you needa less expensive secretary.Until next time - good knotting -Nigel

In Memory of Albert Trout

by: JOHN D BURKE, Mi,USA<[email protected]>

Albert Trout passed away onAugust 15, 1999.

He was a long time memberof the IGKT, and the firstmember of the IGKT-NAB.Mr Trout devoted much timeto promoting the IGKT andlater IGKT-NAB at WoodenBoat Shows in both Mystic,CT and S1. Michaels, MD.

He would have a table set upwith several knot boards, display items, membership information arid applications. Hewould always bring plenty ofrope pre-cut. He would makeTurks Head bracelets to giveaway to youth, as he answeredquestions about knots andmembership from parents.

Albert Trout was the recipient of the IGKT-NAB traveling walking stick plaque forthe year 1999. The announcement of the presentation of theplaque was made at the General Membership Meeting heldat New Bedford, MA.

The plaque is presented toan IGKT-NAB member ormembers for their contributiontoward the furthering of knotting in North America.

Both his talents and Al himself will truly be missed.

KNOTTING MATTERS 65 WINTER 1999 5

THESURREY SIX

Fl'f Futthn lniorm.-nioll""",exl: I W-'ard tA."')L"I'

'9 Broad StrQ."tGuildford

Sum:)'QU) ),\Q

OI-4S)~WOI

I) FIGURE OF 2) SHEET BENDEIGHT

4) CO~STRlCTOR 5) ROLLL~G HITCH

3)BO\VLlNE

6) ROUND TURN & 2HALF HITCHES

6

THESE ARE THE KNOTS WE THINK SHOULD BE USEDWITH MODERN ROPES

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE GUILD WRITE TO TilE BRANCH CHAIRMA1'AT TilE ABOVE ADDRESS. b.j.d 17:~"')


SURREY SIX1) FIGURE OF EIGHT

hw I·un""., In(",m:1I1.",C\~1:11'1""wlk.-n~.:r

Jl# tim:Id SU',,"'1GuildfMl

Sum.-)'Gll.l~:\Q

OI-&II.1;.~1I

I ) Hold rope S(l :sprmx. I~rnCalls to'A'am the ~roulld

(Wortin, End)

2) Take wortins cnd infront of me standinc

FM

3) Bring working cndround back of standing

part

4) Then pu11hc ,,'orl.ilJ~

cnd~ the tnlfM ofla.: tine Wt'P

Fig 8 as a Loop

Double n~ 3Ild ticFig 01'8 as ~\~

Fig of 8 as a Bend

l'bmad anot.IM.T "'pe5WtiDg at Mkln cnd

Fig of 8 as a Hitch

Mak~' fig of8 1ca"iD¥ loo!:tcnd. IIk~ thn:ad workillt! "'nd

throuyh until doubk-duS'-"S:

I)l'bc BASIC Km~ i) lu swp an end coming ouI ofa hole (stopper Knull:!) The LOOP u~'\J by dim~-n 10 lie a n.'pc I" os kalOlbin"T3) The BEND lu j",in lWO roJ"."S ~'\.'1hc.T ut" simibr Lhic~4) The IIlTClllu lie a "'PC 10 a spill' or rins: (Im.~ arc ~1tlT hilcm.-s bul this is .. ~ood first onc)

A GOOD ALL ROI·.\'D /e.\'OT, EASY TO TIE. -"OTSO £1SY TO V.~TI£ AfTER LOADI.\'G

PLEASE TEACH AS FIRST KNOT


SURREY SIX2) SHEET BEND

Flit F\I"hlT Inll'fmll'k'ft\."unt.ll:t: 11,..anJ 1A"Il)""

I'a llmad Sen."\.'1tila.kJ,illfd

Sum:yGl:~ ~t\Q

(11 ..11(\ ~.l6-Ul1

~1ak~ a loop ( bi~ht )

with the thicker ropeTake the thinner ropeup throug.h the bight(the same din.-clion asbight)

round the backof the loop

and then throughthe loop made bythe thinner rope

A Double Sheet Bend

Take the end and go round again.This variation will make the knotmore secim: when usin~ mll\:hthicker WP'=

A Bowline

A Bowline is justa Sheet bend in loopl(lml out tied ditlcrently

8

USES: " us~ful Bend to jo.in two rop~s securely togetherTh~ ropes can he of different thickness or the same.

h.j.d.. 2-'6/99


SURREY SIX3) BOWLINE

fur F~"t Inlilfln.a.lit.n,'"nl;ll;1: IICI".uU lA:n~l:r

I"nnlaliSln,\:\(iUI1J:'otd

Surr.:yGU.'''AQ

1l14K1SJtWOI

Tak~ rope round your budyand place working ~nd ontop of rope

Pull \\ orking ~ncJ so as 10

forc~ lh~ loop into the staticcnd

Bring working cnd bct\\~cn

you and stactic ~nd

TJkc working cnd rllllnJb~\(.'k of static line

and up through the loop

and down torced looppull up snug.

Uses: any Jpplication where a loop is needed. in slippery rope a extra halfhilchmay he required for safety

h.j.d. 7,'6/99


SURREY SIX4) CONSTRICTOR

fur r\ln~r In(unn.'\tMtn.:,tfttOk.1: II"",;u-d l~.,,>,.,

I" rlrNd Stn.'\.otGuiklfurdSu~'

(ilj:l JM)<It''!!J ~.lf...wl

lJlace working I:nd o\er ~)Ie cross O\'er the static cnd ~o mund the back and throug.hagain lhis is now a Clo\'c Hitch

lhen undt..-r towards tbe middle pull up tightand you willlind out why it is calk-d the constrictor

10

l'ow. to convcn to a constrictor knot.take the working end and g.o 0\ er thetlrst loop

US,",'S: When a hitch is n,-'Cd~d to hold wilh the load held on one cnd or if an item n~ds to beheld in place S'-~urcly.

If tied in modem slippcry rope the consrietor will hold "cry \\'ell. in the naturalmaterial rope the knot is inclim..-d lo jam.

h.}.41. I ,\'fYlN


SURREY BRANCH

SURREY SIX6) ROUND TURN ANDTWO HALF HITCHES

For .."1Uthcr JnfunnationC'OnIoa't: Howan1 ~"Ilyc:r

19 nro8dS~-(

GuikJfordSW'I'C)'

G1I3)AQ01..as35J(MOI

P13c~ rop: over pol~ lake working end over mak~ onc half hitch by passing theagain ( it is now a round turn) working end round the static end

and through to fonn a loop

Then make another hal f hitch round the static end(tip: make a granny knot with the tirst hitch it willcollapse into a cluve hitch)

The knot is now completethe ~'O halves should form aclove hilCh

Uses: tor tying large ropes to anchor points~ tying fenders to boats

h.j .d. 11/6199


by John Burke, Michigan,USA

<[email protected]>

REPORT ON IGKT-NABGENERAL MEMBERSHIP

MEETING-NEW BEDFORD 99

On August 6-9, 1999, theInternational Guild of KnotTyers, North AmericanBranch held its General Membership meeting in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Things officially started atthe Hampton Inn FallRiver/Westport, with theopening of the HospitalityRoom at Noon ThursdayAugust 5, 1999. As registration started, knot tyers gathered to share their expertiseand stories. This room wasoccupied by knot tyers untilapproximately 11 :30 PM,every evening during theweekend. After it closed manyadjourned to the hotel lobby tocontinue their knot tying.

On Friday August 6, 1999,the General MembershipBusiness Meeting was held atthe New Bedford WhalingMuseum auditorium. Sixtyseven IGKT-NAB members

12

attended this part of the weekend's events. Dick Blackmerpresented an update on theprogress made in the AshleyStamp Project.

General business was discussed along with suggestionsfor the direction that theIGKT-NAB should take in"coming years. The incomingboard was elected at themeeting and assumed the following positions after a shortmeeting. The officer for thecoming year are; John BurkeMichigan Presidenttrreasurer;Skip Dickens - South CarolinaVice President; Joe Schmidbauer - California, Lee Johnson - Michigan, Rosalee Pi-varich Michigan, DonSchwarz Michigan, andLuAnne Kozma - MichiganSecretary.

In the afternoon, membersattended an open house at theR & W Enterprises, a rope andcordage company in NewBedford. Members also visitedthe Schooner Ernestina,docked at the waterfront inNew Bedford.This is a historical operationalschooner, operated by theState of Massachusetts. Theschooner offers cruises andenvironmental trips during the


sailing season. The visit was IGKT UK, sent, for display, aenjoyed by all. macrame wall hangings which

On Saturday and Sunday were displayed by the regis-August 7 & 8, members set up tration table at the museum.displays and exhibits at the John Kramme of Pennsylva-New Bedford Whaling mu- nia, Gary Sessions of Texas,seum. Richard Hodge of Gilman Hammer of Massa-Christchurch, New Zealand chusetts, Ed Morai III ofbrought several items includ- Maryland, Lindsey Philpott,ing a chess board and chess Dean Westerfelt, Bill Smoth-pieces made from rope & ers, Jon Waltz, Don Schwarz,cord. Richard also had several Wesley Sullivan all displayedoutstanding bell ropes, and their crafts. Dick Blackmer setmany great stories of his life up promotional informationin the merchant marines. Mr pertaining to the AshleySouza brought canvas wall Stamp Project along with ahangings and 'note holders' petition for those interested inwhich demonstrated his skills promoting the project. Danwith canvas. Loren Da- Callahan, Leal Venta andmewood demonstrated his Keith Hudson of Alaska dem-skill with gold and silver onstrated their knotting skillsshaped into jewelry. Bruce in key fobs, button knots, etc.Turley of the IGKT UK has Gordon Perry-IGKT-UKseveral 'bell rope' style ear worked on a set of hammockrings made of what I refer to clews.as thread. Louie Richardi Saturday Evening we allbrought his knot board and gathered at White's of West-picture frame for display. Ken port for an informal Portu-Yalden of the IGKT UK and guese dinner.John Cushman III setup and On Monday at noon theworked the Six-Knot Chal- group visited the Ashley Farmlenge for the public to try. "Maskasach". We toured theBrian Field IGKT UK Presi- house and out buildings, see-dent brought his flat knots, ing many of Clifford W. Ash-crosses and breastplates, along ley's collections, including thewith his many stories and knot bucket of knots, the originaltricks. Geoffrey Budworth- knot board that appeared in


ABOK. This was a fitting wayto close the General Membership Meeting. The IGKT-NABwant to thank Mr. & Mrs.Chardon for their hospitalityduring our visit to their home.

WORD GAME

Can you turn 'YARN' into'ROPE', step by step, withseven intervening words (eachonly differing from the preceding one by a single letter)?The solution is hidden on another page of this KM issue.

YARN

ROPE... 000···

AH - EXPERTS!sighs Cy Canute

I hope never to become anexpert knot tyer. Experts canbe so foolish. For example,Lord Kelvin (President of theRoyal Society, 1890-95) wasthe British scientist who in hislater years stated, "Radio hasno future." He also said, "Xrays will prove to be a hoax."And, "Heavier than air flyingmachines are an impossibility." At about the same time(1900) Sir Edwin Arnoldwrote, "In the way of knots,especially for sea use, therecan be nothing more, I think,to invent."

Such pride or presumptionseems to stem from knowingtoo much. Why else wouldMGM's Irving Thalberg haveadvised Louis B. Mayer not tobid for the film rights to Margaret Mitchell's novel 'Gonewith Wind' with the regrettable words, "Forget it Louis.No Civil War picture evermade a nickel." And it was nodoubt the same mastery of histrade that caused LeonardPopple, author of 'AdvancedRopeworking' (published 1949 - by Brown, Son &Ferguson) to write, "I cannot


foresee .. nylon or other ropes anyway, I'd like to know?)of synthetic fiber, quite taking And "Oh dear, oh dear, whothe place of .. natural high told you that?" Not everybodygrade hemp or manila ropes." who acts like an expert is one,

Of course knot tyers need to mark you, as the followingacquire a basic repertoire and chart reveals.some fundamentals must Where would you plot andtherefore be assimilated; but place an 'x' to represent mas-there is much still to be dis- ter rigger Leonard Popple (al-covered, while any guideline ready quoted)? Definitelyis almost certain to have ex- right of centre, but (I suggest)ceptions. And so we should ~ the horizontal line.remain impressionable (what- Now what about the 1980sever our ages), open-minded American trial judge who,and wary of all rigid rules. I when shown a granny-knottedadmit to a fondness for A.P. exhibit from a scene of crime,(Sir Alan) Herbert's fanciful announced, "That's a squaremusing on the bowline, "And [reef] knot. I know because Ias long as men are mariners, I was a sailor." Definitely bot-think it safe to say, here is a tom left, in the company ofthing that never will be done those pestilential nuisancesanother way." But there are, of who wrongly believe theycourse, more ways to tie a have invented a new knot.bowline than the dear man had Such inspiring individuals asconsidered. the late Desmond Mandeville

A number of major trials and his disciple the late Harryafflict humanity: death and Asher typifies the top right-disease; lost or rejected love; hand corner. I mention none ofbetrayal by friends. And ex- the numerous living innova-perts. This last lot can be rec- tive knotsmen and women lestognized by the things that they 1 offend those I would inevita-say, such as: "When you've bly overlook or omit. Andbeen at this game as long as I who - do you think - mighthave ..." Or, "That's not the occupy a position dead centre,way to do it." (What's wrong where the vertical and hori-with the hole-tree-rabbit zontal lines cross? Well, thatmethod of tying a bowline is where I would put the


I OPEN-MINDED I

xx

NOVICE

xx

EXPERT

I DOGMATIC Ianonymous and unimaginative of the chart; and, it seems toindividuals who design knotty me, the most profitable path-charts, posters, tea towels and way then lies from left to rightthe section on knots and (as shown by the thick wavysplices in seamanship manu- arrow) in the upper half of theals. chart - but what do I know?Most of us probably begin our 1'm no expert.pleasing dalliance with knotsin the upper left-hand quarter 000 __

I KNOT STIFFENINGby: Brian Stammers, WM, UK

This may be of help to RonHaralson and others.

I have found, in limitedtests, that the application ofthe splendidly named "Capt.Tolley's Creeping Crack cure"stiffens and locks knots efficiently and with little or nostaining. It may be that this is

just an easy way to supply thePVA glue to penetrate cordagerapidly and effectively. Thisproduct is available fromchandlers or by mail order inthe UK but I have no ideawhether it is sold elsewhere.

Available from:"Capt. Tolley Ltd, 8 The Causeway Teddington, TD11 OHE, UK".Ed: Anyone like to comment?


We would welcome any constructive suggestions on howto introduce knotting and theGuild to this vast readership.

1~ N_e_w_-_I_G_K_T_-_W_e_bs_it_e _A new Website for the Guildis now up and running, and

can be found at:

www.igkt.craft.org

Home

MembershipBranchesEvents

Publications

LibraryKnot Forum

GalleryLinks

IGKT Website Pages'Welcome page' - a brief summary of the Guild andwhat it doesDetails on membership, with application formInformation on the branchesDetails of IGKT and branch meetings and other knotrelated eventsBooks and knot charts available from the Guild, withorder formListings of the books held in the IGKT libraryOngoing discussions (in parallel with Knotting Matters)Pictures of members' workLinks to other knotting sites

Some of the pages are still'under construction', but visitors will be able to get thegeneral hang of the site.

Do we need a Website?

Whether we like it or not, theInternet represents the future.Many of the potential knottersof the first part of the nextmillennium are already avidand accomplished users. If weare to make contact withthem, 7 the Net is where we'llfind them.

What about the present Members?

Already one in eight membersown up to having an e-mailaddress. We are sure thatmany more have access to acomputer for 'browsing', evenif it means having to enlist thehelp of their children.There are other sources too,such as local libraries thathave computers. They willgive coaching to a 'new boy orgirl' on how to use the Net.


KNOTTING MAlTERS 65 WINTER 1999

Member support

To be successful, the websitemust represent the Guild. Thatmeans the whole of the membership, not just a few 'technophiles' (or technofreaks ifyou prefer it).All the current members canhelp to support the website:• Branch secretaries by

keeping us informed ofevents and activities,

• All members by sending inpictures of their work(photographs or electronicfiles). We want the galleryto become a 'rolling'showcase for members'skills across a wide rangeof knotting aspects.

• Members visiting the website by making constructive comments.

Contributions and Feedback

Contributions to the website,and constructive commentscan be made to Tony Doran:

tonydoran1 @compuserve.com20 Fircroft Close

WokingSurrey GU22 7LZ

UNITED KINGDOMFax: 01483 835756

18

NEW KNOT?By: L.F. Osborne, WA, USA

In 1982 I submitted a quickrelease knot shown to me byan airman who had served inthe SW Pacific during WW 11to English Maritime. He calledit the 'No Name Knot'. Geoffrey Budworth researched theknot and could find no referrence and suggested the name"Innominknot". He suggestedI join the IGKT and I haveenjoyed my 17 year membership.

More recently I devised thisknot. It iseasilytyed,forms asecureloop, iseasilyreleasedwith nocrossingof theends.

Ed: Comments?

VIEWS OF AKNOT NOVICEOR RED NECK

by Wayne Lewis,. Texas, USA<"mailto:[email protected]"[email protected]>

One of the main reasons forcommencing the journey tolearning knots was the obviouschallenge that is offered.While being a total novice attying knots, the ability to research is an already acquiredskill. A very useful one forembarking on such an ambitious task of studying theskills of Marlinespike Seamanship. It has, however, become very apparent that thismust be an arduous task forthe average person that wishesto engage in this area no matter what level they desire toachieve or participate in.Based on this observation, theresults of this endeavor areoffered to anyone fitting thecategory that I find myself in 'one who wears loafers andshoes that are affixed usingVelcro instead of shoelaces'.In other words someone whoknows only the incorrectmethod of tying a knot, nomatter what the task at handmay be. This tells you, that I

am as dumb as jar full of dirtand it takes me all day tocheck a hot rock.

Early on it becomes veryapparent that there are manybooks and a limited amount ofvideos available on the subject(knots), something for whatever your interest level maybe. Some of the books suggestor offer advice on such thingsin addition to knots, as to thetype of tools, tying aids andsources of tying material.Some even attempt to educatethe reader about cordage.Some books mention theIGKT, IGKT chapters andseveral specialty businessesthat sell items associated withtying. To go beyond books ittakes a computer and access toWorld Wide Web to find outabout current activities in thesubject.

Checking with the local library as to the check out history on books on knots indicates that there is more thanjust a casual interest beingdisplayed by the public ingeneral. Also, to reinforce thiswas the fact that many booksare available in multiple copies and also additional copiesare available at many of thelibrary branch locations. Local


bookstores have a variety of Untied States have some ma-books on knots for sale on jor Marine Supply and outdoortheir shelves. This leads to the (climbing) stores. Assistanceconclusion that the subject of in these establishments is stilltying knots is intriguing to the somewhat limited when in-public. But where does one go quiring about cordage for ty-from here? ing knots. Your education as a

Reality is quite a wake up potential knot tyer now con-call. Most people, including tinues about cordage, for youthis member, go out and buy are now at the 'buy some andsome rope or cord at the local try it' stage. Knots look differ-hardware, craft store, home ent, tie different and feel dif-improvement center or feed ferent when tied from the cor-mill (if you happen to be a rect cordage. Correct cordageredneck). This serves its pur- is the operative term here.pose for a while. If the indi- What cordage to buy andvidual gets involved and at- where?tempts some of the decorative The intention of this articleknots the results of using such is not to impart one of plight,cordage can become discour- but rather one of awareness toaging. It now becomes obvi- the Guild Members. This avo-ous that cordage of a different cation of tying knots is not anquality is required for such easy one to get into. Andwork. The need to become ap- maybe it should not be. I amprised of the types and uses of not attempting to create a de-cordage has now become a bate on the subject, rather torequirement for the individual encourage the Guild Membersknot tyer. In short you need an to create a higher visibility ofeducation on rope! presence, approachability,

If you happen to live in the sharing of resources (educa-United Kingdom 'this may not tional and procurable) and abe such a problem. If you live very active web site. I realizeelsewhere you have some that not everyone has access tomajor obstacles facing you, a computer. I would venture toshould you not live in a say that the Guild is attractingcoastal or seaport area. Even as many members through thelandlocked locations in the efforts of Mr. Daniel Callahan,20 KNOTTING MATTERS 65 WINTER 1999

Handbook helps with this.What tools are needed andwhere to obtain them? TheInternet solves this problem aswell. What about walking intoa store and ask for a fid, sewing palm, sheep's foot knife(boat knife) or marlinespike?The answer to this question ismore than likely universal.While attending the IGKTNAB 1999 in New Bedford, Iwent into several ship/marinesupply stores/ companies andattempted to purchase cottontwine or rope. No luck. Therewas an establishment in NewBedford that somewhat catersto Members of the Guild andthey had limited selections. Inall fairness this company had alittle something for everyone,maybe not currently on hand,but it could be obtained, orwas available at certain timesof the year. They however donot have a web presence,which severally limits theiraccessibility. In this instancehad it not been for Guild involvement and Mr. Callahan'sweb site this establishmentwould be unknown and maybe unknown to the majority ofGuild Members.

In order to meet the statedMembership goals of the IGKT (Constitu-


Mr. Martin Combs and otherswho have a strong and activeweb presence than any othersource at the present time.This will continue to growmore so as time passes. I enjoy the Guild and chapternewsletters, but they alone arenot fulfilling this member'sneeds. I feel that this may betrue of other members/potential members aswell. I have met many interested people (all of whomwere not members of theIGKT or I did not know thatthey were Guild Members)through the Internet before Ifinally discovered the Guildon the Internet and investigated it as a source organization. I have since become amember of the G"uild. Severalof the other people with whomI have established a web relationship have also obtainedmembership. All of my contact with people regardingknots has been as a result ofInternet contact. I have alsophysically attended one chapter meeting and the IGKTNAB 1999 meeting 20.

Is there anyone else outthere that ties knots? If so,where are they?

The Guild

I ASHLEY CORRECTIONBy John Constable,<[email protected]>

For those who maintain alist of minor errors in Ashley'smagnificent book - here is another that will frustrate learn-

plish these tasks exist. Now istime to include the IGKT. TheIGKT has a web site, howeverit is not an active one, basedon this member's experience.

I am including two of myfavorite definitions concerningthe present/future. I hope youfind them as thought provoking as I do.

"The Universe is the aggregate of all humanity's consciously apprehended andcommunicated nonsimultaneous and only partially overlapping experiences. " - R.Buckminster Fuller

"The Internet is mankind'selectronic manifestation ofthat aggregation, where theWorld Wide Web representsthe continually expanding andever changing hypertext expression of humanity's networked common consciousness." - Bill Peay

~~~

tional Rules of the advancement of education by the studyof and practice of the art, craftand science of knotting, pastand present of making information available to Membersof the Guild, and to the general public) it is imperativethat the Guild venue be enhanced and that these enhancements be given priority.As stated in KM 64 page 3,the library of books, papers,and other source informationis a reference library and notreadily made available to theMembers of the Guild. Forwhatever reason this policyexists is unacceptable. Tomeet the needs of the Members of the Guild this information must be made readilyaccessible.

It is apparent that I havemore questions, than offers ofsolution. Also, admittedly Iam very isolated, geographically. Basically, I feel thatthere is so much more thatcould be shared with an expanded forum.

The World has truly beenreduced in size due to the advances of mankind and allphases of study have been enhanced due to technology. Themeans and the tools to accom-22 KNOTTING MATTERS 65 WINTER 1999

ers of Turks Heads.Knot 1322, left hand of the

three illustrations, the singleline, on moving from the back,over the front of the knot,should then weave under,OVER, under NOT as shown.

Did you know that "nodose"means full of knots, knotty,knotted?Concise Oxford Dictionary

~~~

ate any help that you or any ofthe members can give me.Ed: What do you want to use itfor? Does anyone knowwhere to get some?

~~~

MARU DAI IS NOT"KNITTING"

by: Edna Gibson Devon, UK.<[email protected]>

Have you considered making the centre pages a pull outknot chart/centerfold?

I COTTON ROPE Iby Marlene Bernal (no address)<[email protected]>

I KM CENTERFOLD I

by: John Kennaugh, Cornwall,[email protected]

I write to correct some of thedetails in the report on the TSOrion Meeting in May.Temari balls are a Japanesefolk craft which involvesmaking a ball which is thenwrapped in fine thread, divided into segments and embroidered with find cotton orsilk not 'rope braiding' asstated.

I really must protest at thephrase 'Maru Dai - a four-legged stool for braiding, anold form of "French Knitting".The Maru dai is a Japanesepiece of equipment which hasbeen used for centuries withthe culture of braiding goingback 4000 years using 4 ormore threads with weightedbobbins to make a braid.These threads are workedeither in a diagonal weave or


I am looking for soft cottonrope. Do you know where Ican find some? Does it comein different colors?

Please let me know by email and I will surely appreci-

Ed: My most sincere apologiesfor the mistakes made in thereport of the meeting in Mayat T.S. Orion. I took notes ofwhat people told me abouttheir displays and demonstrations. It would have been moreprofessional of me to checkthe information before printing. I cannot always do thisbut I must admit that I shouldhave followed my own curiosity to check. I thank Edna forpointing this out and I hopeshe will be encouraged towrite an article on the history,

movement of numbered bobbins. His braiding devices allhave names and are many andvaried for making flat, looped,round and hollow braids. Inhis working life he was a toolmaker for Rolls Royce and hisequipment for braiding is wellworth seeing, as well as all hischarts of numbers for differentbraids.

I think it is important to getour terminology right, as thereis always scope for confusionif the same name is given toseveral pieces of equipment. Ihope you will publish this letter so that members don't goaway with the wrong ideas.

~~~

taken across the braid to makea solid braid. French knittingis a totally different structureof cord traditionally using onethread with loops interlacedvertically with no connectionwhatsoever with the Maru daiand which I doubt has been inexistence for much more thana century, if that.

The photo shows Jeff Wyattwith his equipment with threelegs and a double top, which isnot a Maru Dai. The Maru Daihas a plain top called a mirror,not a seat, with a saucer dip inthe centre, the angle of whichhelps to give the tension of thebraid, and is specific to Japan,translating as "round device".When working Maru Daibraids there are no numbers towork by, the structure tellingyou the next move. The Chinese also make braids on asimilar device, but I do notknow the Chinese name for it.The piece of equipment youdescribe with numbers is not aMaru-Dai but would equatewith the braiding equipmentinvented by Emie Henshallwhich is in a small museum atWesthope College, CravenArms. Emie works all hisbraids by numbers and all themoves are charted by the24 KNOTTING MATTERS 65 WINTER 1999

use and types of productsmade on the Maru Dai for KMsometime soon. I learn morewith each letter I get.

~~~

I Pictures Wanted!!by: Tony Doran, Surrey, UK.<TonyDoranl @compuserve.com>

>Your pictures are wanted!We hope to re-launch the

IGKT website in a few weeks.All Guild members who haveregistered an e-mail addresswith the Secretary will be advised by the webmaster whenit is fully operational.

We would like to displaymembers' work in a KnotGallery on the website. Now'syour chance to exhibit yourwork worldwide - in colour.Please send pictures (of yourown work) to Tony Doran his snail mail address is in thebook.

I HALF ROUND DIAMOND Iby: Rodolfo Petschek, California,USA.<rpl @foothill.net>

When it comes to knot

books, Stuart Grainger is oneof my favorite authors. I wastherefore surprised to re~d inKM64, p.36, that he was unable to find a Half RoundDiamond Knot (one of mypersonal favorites) in any ofhis reference books. It is, infact, Ashley's #735, a sixstrand wall & crown with eachstrand then tucked over oneand under one - a very handsome knot indeed.

I ICICLE KNOTby: Jack Callton, Australia<[email protected] >

I am ex R.N. and I am stillinterested in tying knots. Myson bought me a book calledTHE HAMLYN BOOK OFKNOTS. I found it very interesting because it gives thehistory of a lot of the knots. Italso details some new knots;however, one new knot thatcaught my attention was anicicle knot that was supposedto take the place of a rollinghitch. I tried to tie the knotusing a pencil and a piece ofstring, it didn't work, and itwasn't until I had experimented with different sized

KNOlTING MATTERS 65 WINTER 1999 25

string that it worked. So it appears that these new knots areonly useful under clinical conditions, I thirlk I will have tostick with myoid' seamanshipmanual

All the best from OZJack the Rope

~~~

I Turk's Heads Iby: Loren S. Damewood,Florida, USA

<lorenzo@ IntNet.net>

In my article in the last issue(Issue 63, 11 A MathematicalDiscussion of the Single LineTurk's Head Knot"), regardingthe length of line required totie a Turk's Head knot of agiven size, I was referringspecifically to the single-lineknots. Of course, as that is myfavorite form of Turk's Head.Since that time another member of the Guild prevailed onme to not only branch out intomulti-line knots, in order tomake a ring for. him, but todiscover that my formula forcalculating the necessary material is valid without respectto the number of leads versusbights.

Thanks go to Jesse Coleman,who proposed the rule of thegreatest common factor for theTurk's Head. It seems that anyarbitrary nUITlber of leads andbights can be incorporated in aknot, though the number ofseparate paths will be equal tothe greatest common factor ofthe two. He asked me for a4L-IOB ring, which, with acommon factor of two, naturally had two separate paths,one of which was white gold,the other yellow. The finishedpiece can be viewed on mywebsite at:

<http://www.goldenknots.com/coleman.jpg>

Inspired by this, I then determined to do a three-colorpiece, with a 6L-9B knot, andthe result can be seen at:

<http://www.goldenknots.com/tricolor2.jpg>

I would caution anyone calculating the materials for theirknots to use a generous fudgefactor, by the way, as it is farbetter to cut a bit off the endwhen you're finished, as opposed to running out. At leastin my case, it is possible tosolder a bit more gold onto theends; it's much easier to hidethan a splice if I do it right.


AComprehensive TextofTurk's Head Knots

, By lames Edward Harvey

Please send me copies ofAComprehensive Text of Turk's Head Knots (£25.00 including postage).

Name: .

Address:

... Postcode:

Ienclose my cheque/money order for £ or please debit my

MASTERCARD / VISA / BANKCARD ITill ITill ITill ITillName on Cord . .

Expiry Date .

Signature .

. 19.... .Send to:

NOVA CREATIVE PUBLISHINGShop 8, Plaza Arcade, Rooke St

DEVONPORT7310 TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

The Pyramid Knot is not theChinese Crown Knot

The Pyramid Knot is the Lanyard Knot (tied as a Loop)!

by Robert Wolfe, M.D.Since the publication of my

"Pyramid Knot" in KM 58(pp. 28-9), I have had severalresponses suggesting that my"discovery" is actually theChinese Crown Knot (ABOK#808). Maggie Machado(Scappoose, Oregon) pointedme to Lydia Chen's book,Chinese Knotting, where it iscalled the Cross-Knot. Perceval Patrick (Kent, UK) discussed it in KM59, referring toG.R. Shaw's, Knots, Usefuland Ornamental, where it iscalled the Japanese CrownKnot, or the Japanese SuccessKnot. In Geoffrey Budworth'srecent book, The CompleteBook of Knots, he calls it the('True') Square Knot.

In fact, the Pyramid Knot isnot the Chinese Crown Knot(a.k.a. Cross Knot, a.k.a.Japanese Success Knot) butturns out to be the same as theLanyard Knot (Ashley#687/688), only tied as a loopknot. I worked this out withthe help of a new IGKT mem-

ber, Paul Hahn, via an e-mailconversation. (Incidentally,Paul has made a well-doneknotting web page: for thoseof you on the Internet, the address is:http:Ulibrary.wustl.edul- many

note/knot.html)This difference between

these two knots can best beshown by comparing thestructure of these two knotswhen tied as 4-strand stopperknots. Figure lA shows the

FigU~~"'iEChinese Lanyard Knot(~OK# 808) _

Figure lBLanyard Knot(ABOK # 687)

Chinese Crown Knot as a 4strand stopper, and Fig. lB


shows the Lanyard knot fromthe same perspective. As you

past an extra strand beforetucking through the loop.

Compare toFig.l A - insteadof4 strands.. thisis now 2 lines.

FIG.2A

Chinese (Japanese) Crown Knot

IV

(FRONT I

[FIG. 2B -!YRAMID KNOJ:J

can see, the Lanyard Knot differs in that the free ends circle

This shows how to tie the Pyramid Knot.Male an overhand knot in a Ijnc~ then passthe .tree cnd through the overhand knotnvicc as shown (from KM 58, p.28).


In Fig. 2A and 2B I showthese same knots tied as loopknots, Le. the Chinese CrownKnot and the Pyramid Knotrespectively. All that is neededto make this transition is toimagine the 4-strand startingpoints in Fig. lA and lBchanging into two intact lines

.~j~. J.r\Chinese Crown Knot tiedin webbing

crossing past each other. Thispoint now becomes the placeon the reverse side of both theChinese Crown Knot and thePyramid Knot where they appear to form an 'X', hence, thename Cross Knot.

If you compare the "back ofthe knot" in Fig. 2B (PyramidKnot) to the back of the Chinese Crown Knot in fig. 2A,you will see that the PyramidKnot consists of two interlocked overhand knots.

Whereas the Chinese CrownKnot is simply two lineswoven together, so that if youtook this latter knot and cutthrough the loop and one ofthe lines were to be removed,there would be no knot remaining.As a final comparison, Figs.

ti2·38p)'ralnid Knot tied inwebbing

~~j~~J3A and 3B show what thesetwo knots look like when tiedin stiff nylon webbing. TheChinese Crown Knot now becomes sort of flat, like a basket weave, whereas the Pyramid knot becomes - well, apyramid! Although the Lanyard Knot has been around along time, I think the "Pyramid Knot" may be the firstdescription of the LanyardKnot tied as a loop knot


'., SOLID SINNET TABLESby Vernon Hughes

"Take the round bottom of a peach basket..."Ashley Chap 39 Verse 3037

The idea that this article be written came to the Editor at the AGMin May 1999, where leff Wyatt was demonstrating solid sinnet tyingon a table comprised of a set of wooden components which I hadturned for him on my lathe. Photo I' shows a similar set of turnedand pyrographically engraved pieces, but before I write about them Iwill explain the historical background to their design.

set of turned and pyrographically engraved pieces

KNOITING MATTERS 65 WINTER 1999 31

The story begins with the IGKT's Knotting Extravaganza held atCharlton, London, in 1986. The objects of the event were to tie, anddisplay to the public, every knot in "Ashleyll, and to use the event toobtain media coverage for the Guild and the subject of knotting. Thetying work was spread as widely as possible across the membership.and I recall that there was a tremendous contribution by one of ourDutch members. I landed Chapter 39 in its entirety. In the planningstage we had all been asked to identify, and volunteer to tie, a selection of knots that appealed to us. Looking back it seems strange that Ichose solid sinnets as I had never tied or seen one, but I had observed from Ashley that they had structural and visual appeal, andoffered potential to use tastefully mixed colours. My recollection isthat I offered to tie some of the sinnets, but Frank Harris, who coordinated the whole event, assured me, at the recent AGM, that I hadbeen "up for the lot" from the outset. Anyway I had no complaintsand I still posses his allocation letter. I was, however, excused themost demanding 61-strand pentalpha (3082) because Colin lones hadalready offered his, tied all in white. Frank also reminded me withshall we say" a twinkle in his eye", that he had had to award myearly efforts a marking of "could do better" or words to that effect.Fortunately, I was by then beginning to see for myself the high discipline needed to plan, set up and tie these 'knots, and I achievedmastery in time to make my contribution to the Extravaganza.

As an absolute novice I had to focus first on Ashley's "Peach basket bottom" , and how to imitate one. Do modern Americans stillproduce suitable baskets I wonder, hoping that our US members willprovide the answer? Photo "2", taken at the Extravaganza shows myMk. 1 table design under demonstration.

The "peach basket bottom" was a slightly flexible, black flowerpotwith bolt-on wooden battens for legs and inspection windows cut inthe side. I still have it. Ashley's recipes require ten different spacesettings around the top circumference of the "table", '" viz: 4, 6, 8, 9,10, 12, 16, 18,20 and 40 spaces. For the Mk.l, paper circles markedout with these segment numbers were easily made and placed on thetabletop. A thimble-protected finger then pushed pins through thepaper and into the top. Paper circles were of course changed over as


'-.

required. Numbers werealso painted in whiteround the top of the potto mark out one or two of

. 1the settings. An 1 /2"hole was cut at the centreof the top and the tablewas ready for workfollowing Ashley's·instructions. Theinverted flower potworked perfectly welldespite the hard edgeround the central hole. Inaddition to peach basketsand flowerpots, I recallFrank Harris reportingyears ago that he usedplastic sweet jars (one ontop of another andpresumably with bases removed) and that system was also successful. So if you are new to this aspect of knotting, be aware that youdon't have to use the more elaborate and costly wooden components.I made them mainly for aesthetics reasons and for my own pleasureand also to convey an organized image when demonstrating. It sohappens that a few other tyers have taken a liking to them also.

The Set of Turned Wooden Components.

I had always regarded the black pot prototype as a quick expedient,devised at the rush for a specific purpose. It was not until 1995,however, when I bought a wood turning lathe that I was able to finalize a design for an all-wooden sinnet set. It consists of a base unit,five (or six) interchangeable discs and a centre hole "reducer" Theunderside of the base unit is drilled at (circa) 10 degrees from theperpendicular to accommodate tripod legs (e.g. broom handles), andthe top is recessed to receive the discs. The set is completed with


I'.

three "stretchers" to stabilize the legs, and a maximum of forty panelpins for use as space markers.

As mentioned earlier, Ashley's designs require ten different spacesettings. It is a simple matter, however, to restrict the number ofdiscs to five by marking each one out to take two different settings i.e. one disc accommodates '4 and 40' spaces, while the others take'6 and 12' spaces, '8 and 16', '9 and 18' and' 10 and 20'. Photo "I"shows how this is achieved. A sixth disc is an optional extra with 14spaces. leff Wyatt discovered a recipe requiring that number in another book. In my latest set, however, I marked out the 14 spaces onthe base unit, in case the user wished to acquire the recipe. Thatmodification will work perfectly well, with or without the reducer. Itis appropriate to explain here that although Ashley specifies a centralhole diameter of 1 1/2". leff Wyatt saw that he would sometimes usethicker cords necessitating a larger hole. I now therefore make a 2"hole in all the components and provide an insert, which reduces thehole to Ashley's 1 Ih". Other sizes could be made if required, ofcourse. Photo "3" shows the set-up when the reducer is in position.

Photo "3" shows the set-up when the reducer is in position

34 KNOTTING MATIERS 65 WINTER 1999

Comprehensive dimensional information is given as follows for thebenefit of any members wishing to construct their own tables (butbear it in mind that these can be varied to suit individual needs):

Base - Diameter 8"1/21 at widest point (Le. at the bottom)Thickness - 211 (though 1 1/2 could be suitable given care indrilling leg and spacing, holes.3 x Leg holes -up to 13.4" deep at an angle of 10 -11 degrees;diameter to suit the chosen leg - e.g. 7/8 11

, 111 '" etc.Recess in Top - approx. 1.4" deep, and 6" diameter.

l2.i.sc.s - Diameter 6 1/2" - 6 3.4 11

Underside undercut at the edge up to 1/2" deep and to give 57/ 8

diameter to fit into base.Thickness - approx. 111Curves at outer edge and centre hole can be shaped to suit

user1s taste. They are not critical.Concentric circles to make segment number spaces are

scribed with a sharp tool (e.g. skew chisel) at end ofturning process.

Surface Engraving - This is all done with a purpose-designedpyrographic "pen". All segments must be marked outaccurately. Spacing holes for panel pins etc. aredrilled to a standard depth at the marked points on theouter circle.

Reducer -Total depth 1 1/2" .. All dimensions very approximateDiameter of top 3" "f-' as only central hole and insertThickness of top 3/8:) diameter are critical.

Einish - All top (visible) surfaces at least are sealed and wax polished.

Working Height - All my sinnet work has been done with the working top just above waist level when standing. It was a surprise to findthat some tyers prefer to sit when working. Leg length is therefore amatter of personal choice, but at least one tyer has made two sets oflegs of different lengths.


A Marudai top can be made to sit onthe base unit

SOME FINALPOINTS

ASHLEY'SINSTRUCTIONSThese must be studiedclosely before starting I

to make solid sinnets.Although some aredeterred by theirseeming, complexity, itall becomes muchsimpler once a start hasbeen made. I committed sacrilege by colouring all the crosssectioned diagrams in Ashley, BUT have no regrets. Knot structuresshow up very clearly using this technique and knowledge of themcan be very helpful when tying.

KUMIHIMO - Tyersinterested in thisbeautiful Japanesebraiding work may liketo see that a Marudaitop can be made to siton the base unit (Photo"4").

MISTAKES in the order and position of cord movement MUST beavoided!!! Just one will show in the finished work!

TENSION - The tighter and harder the sinnet, the more pleasing it isusually. One important tip is to keep the central eight to the effectiveminimum. An overly heavy weight results in a soft structure. Somesinnets tie tighter/harder than others anyway; and it is sometimesnecessary to tighten every strand using long-nosed pliers from top tobottom of the sinnet.


CONCLuSIoNS - Enough from me now! All that remains is forreaders to "have a go" for themselves. OH YES and one other thing!How about all of you putting your minds to the question of~ forthe solid sinnets? Then writing in to the Editor for publication inKM. To be followed by subsequent discussion if there is sufficientinterest. I can start you off with cord pulls for lights etc., bellropes,and decorative pieces for incorporation in knotboards and perhapseven picture frames. What else??

The Comprehensive Text of Turk's Head.By: Jim Harvey

"The mathematical equation for all Turk's Heads. The Law and principles of Turk's Head Knots."

This book excludes all Sennit Knots, Running Sennit, VariegatedSennit, Multistrand and Irregular and Round Sennit Turk's Heads.

Over a period of sixty years I have tried to find someone to enlighten me on the mathematical equation 'C- L=1" to tie TurksHeads with negative results.

The only possible way that I could find to work out all knots wasduring the 1939 -1949 war period whilst at sea.

The result was this simple method to find the mathematical equation. One must find the base. The base is established when the leadreaches No.2 left pin, or the last pin, whichever comes first. This isachieved by the Guide Method principle.

Every Turk's Head has a different base = Base A and Base B =formula. The two bases must be equal to the knot. Otherwise theknot cannot be tied. Every Turk's Head when completed can than beraised by formula A and B twenty times. Using the same method andprinciples to achieve over a million knots if time permits.

For example: A 27X25 Turk's Head = 13X12 A. x 14x13 B. BaseRaised by formula A 53x49 =13x12 A Base x 40x37 B.Raised by formula B 55x51 =14x13 B Base x 41x38 A.


To Work out the Mathematical EquationThis applies to all knots.Example: 3 x 2 Turk's Head =2 x 1x 1 x 1 =base.To increase the 3 x 2 by Formula B =1 x 1, Double the Base =2x2

Add to the knot 3 x 2 = 5 x 4 knot.The Sx4 retains its base 1x 1 B. A base is increased to 4 x 3 :\

4x3x1x1=Sx4Example to increase the 3 x 2 by Formula A =2 x 1.

double the base =4 x 2.Add to the knot 3 x 2 =7 x 4. The 7 x 4 retains its base 2 x I A.

B base is increased to 5 x 3B 2 x lA,S X 3B =7 X 4.7 x 4 Turks Head =2 x lA x 5 x 3B =Base.To increase the 7 x 4 knot by Formula A =2 xl,

double the base =4 x 2.Add to the knot 7 x 4 =11 x 6.

The 11 x 16 knot retains its base =2 x 1.B Base is increased to a 9 x SB. 2 x lA, 9 x SB =11 x 6 knot.To increase the 7 x 4 knot by Formula B 5 x 3.

Double the Base =lax 6.Add to the knot 7 x 4 =17 x 10.

The 17 x 10 knot retains its base 5 x 3.A base is increased to 12 x 7A.

12 x 7A, 5 x 3B =17 x 10 knotExample 7 x 5 Turk's Head =3 x 2A x 4 x 3BTo increase the 7 x 5 by Formula A = 3 x 2.

Double the base = 6 x 4.Add to the knot 7 x 5 =13 x 9The 13 x 9 retains its base =3 x 2. B base is increased to 10 x 7B3 x 2 x 10 x 7 =13 x 9.

The base of the knot can be changed by using the opposite formula.The 13 x 9 knot using Formula B base la x 7, double the base = 20 x14. Add to the knot 13 x 9 = 33 x 23 which now becomes a FormulaB knot with a 10 x 7B base. A base is increased to 23 x 16.23 x 16A x 10 x 7B =33 x 23

By using this system one does not need to be a mathematician towork out the formula for all knots in this book, the mathematicalequation is elementary.


39

knot. Many nautical booksdescribe various methods ofmaking a separate mouse beneath a Turk's head, but noneof them indicate an awarenessof this 'raised' Turk's head,which combines the two elements into a more secure androbust integrated knot.

The 'raised' effect isachieved by interweaving afive part Turk's head with athree part Turk's head. Anynumber of bights may be used,provided they observe thecommon divisor law.

So one can have -7 bights x 5 parts interwoven

with 7 bights x 3 parts8 bights x 5 parts interwoven




with 14 bights x 3 partsand so on ad infinitum (observing the divisor law).

With this method, sevenbights are the smallest practical number of bights to encircle a stem. Six and five bightscannot be made (divisor law)and four bights are insufficient

by Thomas Simpson

TURK'S HEADS WITH ABUILT IN MOUSE

Back in the mid 1950s, on arun ashore in San Francisco, Ihappened upon McDonald'sbookshop on Turk Street (stillthere today - number 48),where I picked up a copy ofBruce Grant's LeatherBRAIDING. Although only asmall volume of key knots,each knot's progress is cleverly drawn to illustrate thewell-written instructions.From these key knots, hundreds of variations can bemade; the only limitations areones of imagination and thecommon divisor law.

Many of Grant's knots wereadded to my portfolio, andwhile experimenting with herringbone weave pineappleknots, I came across a knot,that after construction, I recognized as unique, decorativeand practical - a rare combination. Its uniqueness stemsfrom the fact that it is the onlyTurk's head, which I haveseen, with a built in mouse(raised effect).

In the intervening years, Ihave never encountered this


Step sequence to form a 7 bight x 5 part Turk' s head on a former.S.tart..- 1st bight (at top) Over!Under Nil. Ashley pins 1 - 13~- 2nd bight (bottom) Over!Under Nil Ashley pins 13- 24~- 3rd bight (at top) Over/Under Nil Ashley pins 24 - 5~- 4th bight (bottom) Over Ashley pins 5 - 164th

- 5th bight (at top) Over Ashley pins 16 - 285th

- 6th bight (bottom) Over Over Ashley pins 28-- 86th

- 7th bight (at top) Over Over Ashley pins 8 - 207th

- 8th bight (bottom) Over Over Ashley pins 20 - 318th

- 9th bight (at top) Over Over9th

- 10th bight (bottom) Under Over Over10th

- 11 th bight (at top) Under Over Over11th - 12th bight (bottom) Under Over Under Over12th

- 13th bight (at top) Under Over Under Over13th

- 14th bight (bottom) Under Over Under OverThen under and alongside (to the right of) the start strand to the finish.. This completes the interweave

to emphasize the 'raised' effectin this knot.

With the aid of a couple offathoms of material form a 7bight x 5 part Turk's head,(Ashley 1355) or with the help ofthe diagram and step sequence ofwritten instructions. The instructions presume that the former isheld in an upright (vertical)position. (See above instructions)

I have never used Ashley's pinsystem (Ashley 1324), it appearstoo excessive. I do, however, findhis pin numbers helpful, in theearly stages of forming Turk's

heads, as an aid to location - atype of grid reference.

Two, tight fitting, thin. elasticbands offer an effective means ofholding the top and bottombights in position as the knotd~velops.

It is a good idea, but not essential, to use two formers; the firstone twice the diameter of thesecond one. The completedinitial Turk's head, with theelastic bands still in place, istransferred to the smaller former;this gives a nice large open knotwith easy access for the interweave.


KN01TING MATTERS 65 WINTER 1999 41

Step sequence to interweave a 7 bight x 3 part Turk's head \vithin a 7bight x 5 part Turk's head.

1- From where the first Turk's head finished (to the right of the startstrand), continue up over one strand, then under the crossed pair(near the top of knot), keeping inside (below) and close to the toprim bight.In the interests of clarity, the instructions are now reduced to aconcise, repetitive form.

2- Down over 1 strand Then.under X2 Inside bottom bight3- Up and over 1 strand Then.under X2 Inside top bight4- Down over 1 strand Then.under X2 Inside bottom bight

* 5- Up and over 1 strand Then under X2+1 Inside top bight6- Down over 1 strand Then under X2+1 Inside bottom bight7- Up and over 1 strand Then.under X2+1 Inside top bight8- Down over 1 strand Then.under X2+1 Inside bottom bight9- Up and over 1 strand Then.under X2+1 Inside top bight

** 10 Down 0Yer2 strands Then.under X2+1 Inside bottom bight11 Up and over 2 strands Then under X2+1 Inside top bight12 Down over 2 strands Then under X2+1 Inside bottom bight13 Up and over 2 strands Then under X2+1 Inside top bight14. Down over 2 strands Then under X2+1 Inside top bight.* At the top of row 5 the first change occurs; go under the crossedpair (as usual), then, also go under the next strand, which is actuallythe first strand in row 6. For reassurance that the knot is developingcorrectly, this is the strand that started the interweave.** Row 10 the next change; down over 1, becomes, down over 2.For further reassurance, the second strand of the down over 2, is(again) the strand that started the interweave.

Work round the knot using a measured, steady tension, it's betterto go round five. times than twice. As the knot draws tight, thestrands in the middle part start to ride up, this gives it its 'raised' effect. It also becomes harder to follow the strand that requires drawing through, particularly in the interweave; with familiarity thisproblem soon recedes. Continue until the knot has a nice tight grip ofthe stem.


Devp 1onmen L di.oqr·nrn of a 7 bight x .i po rt l.url< I s head,inlerwoven :i.nl.o [) 7 bi.qhl x 'j parl luek's t1end.


weaves produce a nice square'raised' Turk's head, which isthe usual threshold of my'raised' knots.

The interweave parameters,necessary to produce the'raised' effect, limits theseknots to the narrow - squareknot area. However, this isn'ta big problem, since the majority of Turk's heads are ofthe narrow to square persuasion.

I should also point out thatthere are two other methodsthat I am familiar with, ofconstructing these herringboneweave pineapple knots. One ofthese methods overrides thedivisor law in the interweaving knot, allowing the construction of the following'raised' Turk's head

These 'raised' knots onlywork visually, made with asingle colour; unlike the flat,longer interweave knots thatcan look equally good made inone or two colours. They areattractive with most types ofmaterial, but to maximize theraised' effect a hard laid orhard braided rope is stronglyrecommended.

To give an idea of proportional balance; with a 4 orSmm diameter rope, I wouldnormally use this 7 bight knoton a 30-3Smm diameterstem.

The described 'raised' knot,is the narrowest knot in a series; increasingly wider'raised' knots may be fashioned by introducing more interweaves into the basicTurk's head. Three inter-

6 bights x 5 parts interwoven with 6 bights x 3 parts9 bights x 5 parts interwoven with 9 bights x 3 parts12 bights x 5 parts interwoven with 12 bights x 3 parts

and so on....The second method is a bights, 13 bights etc. In fact

continuous succession of four any number except 7 bightsrecurring steps which intro- and its multiples.duces the outer and inner I hope to describe the addi-bights at the same time. Suit- tional interweaves and theable 'raised' knots includes, 5 other construction methods inbights, 6 bights, 8 bights, 9 follow up articles.bights, 10 bights, 11 bights, 12


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Knotting Matters 65 - Grumpy Ogre · THE INTERNATIONAL GUILD OFKNOT TYERS ISSUE NO 65 • WINTER 1999 PRESIDENTBrianField HONVICE PRESIDENTS DrVaughanJones FRS andFrankHarrisBEM PAST